CMOS Cascode Power Amplifier With Body-Source Leakage Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) power amplifiers with high efficiency and high output power is challenging due to significant power loss from leakage current in the subthreshold/weak inversion region.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a CMOS cascode switching power amplifier with a body-source (BS) cascode structure, where the body of the common-gate device is tied to the source, minimizing leakage current and power loss by maintaining a higher source voltage than gate voltage minus the threshold voltage, thereby reducing voltage stress and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional CMOS power amplifier is designed to achieve high output power, then the output power increases, but power loss due to leakage current in subthreshold/weak inversion region increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the body-source voltage relationship of the common-gate device. Specifically, it maintains a higher source voltage than gate voltage minus the threshold voltage, which changes the operating parameters to minimize leakage current while preserving high output power capability. This parameter adjustment directly addresses the contradiction by reducing the harmful leakage effect without sacrificing the desired high power output.
2Loss of energy
If the body of common-gate device is tied to source (BS-cascode structure), then leakage current is minimized and efficiency improves, but device complexity increases due to additional body connection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the body connection of the common-gate device with the source terminal. The BS-cascode structure merges the body terminal connection to the source, creating a unified connection that simplifies the overall device architecture while achieving the dual benefit of reduced leakage current and maintained efficiency. This merging approach resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for separate body biasing circuitry.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments of the invention may provide systems and methods for a power amplifier. The systems and methods may include a first common-source device having a first source, a first gate, a first drain, and a first body, where the first source is connected to the first body, and wherein the first gate is connected to an input port. The systems and methods may further include a second common-gate device having a second source, a second gate, a second drain, and a second body, where the second source is connected to the first drain, where the second source is further connected to the second body, and where the second drain is connected to an output port.